Stun guns may become standard kit

Police officers across Scotland could be routinely armed with electronic stun guns, after a trial of the weapons was hailed a success.

The trial launched by Strathclyde Police two years ago was the first time Scottish rank and file offers were allowed to carry stun guns, which can deliver disabling 50,000 shocks.

An official report praised the use of the weapons following the trial, which saw 50 officers armed with electric stun guns while they carried out their duties.

A preliminary report into the six-month pilot recommends wider use across the country. The devices were previously only given to a small number of firearms officers.

Amnesty International in Scotland claims the Strathclyde Project had breached European Human Rights. A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said only trained firearms officers were able to use stun guns.